Laser eye surgery is something that many people contemplate but often do not investigate thoroughly as they are not sure if it will benefit them. Eyesight is essential, and laser eye surgery could be the corrective route for you, but you will need professional consultation to assess your suitability. So, before you book yourself in, let’s have a look at whether laser eye surgery could be right for you or not.
Why get laser eye surgery
The decision to get laser eye surgery is very personal. The reasons vary from simply not enjoying wearing glasses to having a career or indulging in a not suitable sport for those who need spectacles. In addition, some people cannot wear contact lenses or simply do not like having to put things in their eyes.
Who might be suitable?
Generally, three conditions determine your laser eye surgery suitability. These are long-sightedness, shortsightedness, and astigmatism. If you are long-sighted, you will experience difficulties with reading and close work but enjoy good vision when looking further away. Shortsighted is the opposite, and although you will be able to read and do close work with no corrective lenses, things like driving and looking into the distance will require glasses. Finally, astigmatism is a condition where the eyeball changes shape slightly and becomes more rugby ball than football-shaped, and again this can cause visual issues.
Is it expensive?
The cost of laser eye surgery varies depending on the clinic and the condition. Some treatment centers will allow payment plans, whereas others need payment upfront. It is expensive as a lump sum payment, but when you weigh that up against the cost of your glasses and contact lens provision, you may save money in the long run.
What is the recovery time?
You will be advised to take a few days off work to recover. It’s crucial that you can attend immediate follow-up appointments and rest your eyes as much as possible. The surgery is very quick and painless, but the aftercare is up to you and needs to be followed to the letter. You will likely need to avoid very bright rooms, and in some cases where the eye shields you are provided with.
Some people can find that they have dry eyes after laser eye surgery, and this can be treated with eye drops dispensed by the clinic that carried out the work. You will see a marked improvement almost straight away, but it can take a few weeks, even months, to settle completely, and during this period, you may experience vision fluctuations.
Visual Changes to Expect
Before committing to any type of laser eye surgery, it’s beneficial to understand the potential visual outcomes you might experience. For example, before and after LASIK eye surgery, among other laser eye surgeries, many patients report significant improvements in their vision, often reaching 20/25 or better, which is sufficient for most activities. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. While laser eye surgery can dramatically reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses, some individuals might still need them for certain activities, especially in low-light conditions. Discussing your visual goals with your surgeon can help set realistic expectations and prepare you for the changes in your sight.
The benefits of laser eye surgery
The overall benefit of laser surgery is that you will no longer need corrective lenses. Many people just want the freedom of not having to wear glasses or contact lenses. You will still have to attend your scheduled optician appointments annually, but you should find that your prescription has normalized, and you no longer require any correction, which can be great for your confidence.